What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double strollers are built to grow with families and offer clever features to keep children comfortable and happy. The best double strollers come with adjustable footrests as well as smooth rides over gravel, old sidewalks, and trails.
Kerry was pleased the fact that the stroller was delivered in multiple boxes but everything was labeled well and was easy to open. She also appreciated the fact that it can accommodate two infant car seats and can be combined with a riding board for older kids.
Seating Options
When it is about double strollers, seating options are what makes or breaks the purchase of many families. You'll need to consider the age of your children, their respective sizes and the seating configurations that will work best for you.
Alli Cavasino is a senior editor of Consumer Reports. She says that if you are looking to buy a tandem stroller, you should consider one with children's seats that are connected. This model doesn't require car seat adapters. These double strollers are typically wider than other double strollers. They might not fit through doors that are standard in your home.
If you have an age gap between your kids you should consider a stroller with two seats that can convert to a stand-and-ride model that has a platform or small bench seat in the back for a kid who likes to just ride along with their younger sibling. These kinds of in-line strollers can also be adapted to fit infant car seats, if needed, and are a good option for children who are 3-5 years apart, says Billingsley.
You'll also want to look at the type of seat material, according to Billingsley. Certain fabrics are more comfortable than others, and easier to clean. It's also important to think about how easy it is to fold your stroller for stowing or transporting to and from your car. "There's nothing more frustrating than buying your dream stroller only discover that it's too heavy or bulky for your trunk," says the expert.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers multiple configurations take a look at this award-winning stroller from Summer Infant. It features two toddler seats and a bassinet, and can be converted into a triple stroller adding an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and have calf bar controls to adjust independently, which is perfect for when one child is looking to sleep while the other wants to look around. It's also compact when folded and easily fits into most trunks.
Age ranges
Sit-and-stand strollers are the best option for families with children who are close in terms of age. They provide the comfort and convenience. These strollers typically have seats for infants or toddler in front and a platform or bench that lets an older child stand or jump on and off in the back. They're great for big toddlers and preschoolers, but they won't work well for younger babies or kids who do not yet have the balance or coordination to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller can help you keep your eyes on both children at the same time and get through narrow spaces like the busy aisles in the grocery store or family photos in the park. These strollers are typically smaller than double strollers that are side-by-side and are able to move more easily however they aren't able to accommodate infant car seats and typically do not offer the same amount of undercarry storage.
If you plan on using a double stroller for many years or even for a decade, you should consider purchasing a model that can grow with your kids. Double strollers are more expensive than single strollers however, if you choose them properly, you'll save money in the end.
Our test participants put each of these strollers through a series maneuverability tests and off-road adventures and found them easy to navigate over different terrains. However, if you're going to use it in cities or other urban zones where sidewalks and traffic can be bumpy and uneven, you may want something more robust and durable that can handle the rough treatment.
A lot of double strollers are made to last a long time, but you could find that the seats get more worn than you expected or your children grow out of it before it's ready to retire. If pushchair twin are on an extremely tight budget, you should choose an option with a warranty of at minimum four years. It is best to use it for as long as possible.
Ease of Use
If you're planning to purchase a double stroller, you need to ensure that it is user-friendly for both children. This means that the harnesses must be comfortable for children who sit, and the handles should be a breeze to hold for toddlers. The stroller can also be easily rolled and moved around obstacles and in tight spaces. The top strollers we tested in our Lab tests, including the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie or Thule Urban Glide 2 Double are among the most easy to move around.
A double stroller should also be able to fold and put away. The most effective models come with an easy one- or two-step procedure, and are small enough to fit into the majority of trunks. It's also an advantage that the stroller can be used in a variety of ways and has the option of adding a second seat or a ride-along board. Some strollers can even accommodate infant car seats, so you don't need to wake up your baby to put them into their stroller when they're ready for a trip home.
A quality double stroller is also sturdy, so it is able to be used in a variety of terrains. Some can be converted into a jogging scooter with a specific front wheel and some can also be used as umbrella strollers. Some even have cargo baskets that can be attached to the rear of the stroller to carry groceries or shopping bags.
Another thing to consider is whether you'd like either a side-byside stroller or a tandem. Side-by-side strollers are generally wider than tandem models, and can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces like doorways and aisles of grocery stores that are crowded. However, they offer the convenience of allowing every child to view the same scenery. They are also easier to navigate in a storm because they offer more coverage from the elements for both children.
Many parents choose to purchase a stroller that can be converted from single to double, so that they can use it for a newborn and later switch to a regular double when their kids are older. After talking with parents, it became apparent that it is better to purchase what you need today rather instead of trying to predict what you might require in the near-term.
Stores
When shopping for double-strollers, it's crucial to think about the amount of storage space available and the size. Many models have large, easy-to-access baskets that can store plenty of stuff. They also often feature several cup holders for parents as well as convertible seating arrangements that provide best-in-class legroom for children. Certain of these features could add to the price, so be sure to go through the reviews and descriptions carefully.
The majority of double strollers can be classified as tandem or side by side designs. Tandem strollers come with two seats on the same frame and are generally better suited for older babies who are already comfortable with unassisted sitting. They usually have bigger storage baskets than side-byside models. However, some can be difficult to push with the front seat fully reclined.
The side-byside stroller features two seats that are positioned side-by-side. They're usually better suited for younger babies or toddlers who aren't yet ready for independent sitting. They also have the added benefit of being more easy to maneuver and push than tandem strollers. However, they tend to have smaller storage baskets than tandem strollers, and can be more expensive.
There are also specialized double strollers designed for jogging and biking. These are usually more expensive than all-terrain strollers, and come with fixed front wheels, which limit their flexibility. These strollers are only worth considering if you intend to use them for these kinds of activities.
If you're looking for twins or an infant and a toddler, or a child who's not yet ready to ride on their own, there's an ideal double stroller available. Our top choices are easy to maneuver, versatile, stable and have seating that expands with your child. Take a look at our top choices for the best double stroller to fit your family, whether you are searching for a tandem or one that can accommodate your infant car seat.